New Ohio COVID-19 Law Provides Businesses with Broad Immunity

In COVID-19 Information Hub by Marc L. Fleischauer

On September 14, 2020 Governor DeWine signed House Bill 606 (the “Legislation”) into law giving many businesses protection from lawsuits due to COVID-19 and other infections. Specifically, the Legislation provides that no person is liable for a civil action for damages, injury, or death due to COVID-19 or similar illnesses unless the person engages in reckless conduct, intentional misconduct, or willful or wanton misconduct. These immunity provisions will become retroactive to March 9, 2020 and remain in effect until September 30, 2021. The definitions in the Legislation make it clear that the term “person” protects not only individuals but also …